Player Updates

49ers coach Jim Tomsula isn't going to pitch defensive end Justin Smith to come back to the team in 2015. Instead, he's going to let Smith figure it out for himself, according to the team's website.

"You know the level of respect I have for him, and he has earned the right to make the decision on his own terms," Tomsula said. "I told him that I will not try to talk him into anything or out of anything. I really do try to stay neutral on that, I really do."

Smith is a 14-year veteran who is mulling retirement. He finished the 2014 season with 43 tackles, five sacks and recovered two fumbles.

49ers head coach Jim Tomsula backed general manager Trent Baalke's comments by telling reporters that he intends to "shoot the bologna" with defensive lineman Justin Smith soon, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Smith is considering retirement after playing 14 seasons in the pros, racking up 87 sacks over his career. Tomsula said he's had a similar conversation with Smith at the end of the last three or four seasons. Smith, 35, posted 43 tackles, five sacks and recovered two fumbles in 2014.

Smith has played 14 seasons in the pros, racking up 87 sacks during his career. He rarely missed a contest, playing in at least 14 games every season. He was elected to five straight Pro Bowls from 2009 to 2013, and made the First-Team All-Pro list once. The 35-year-old has registered 43 tackles and five sacks in what looks like his final season as a professional.

The 49ers will have wideout Michael Crabtree Week 17 against the Cardinals.

Crabtree came into the contest listed as probable due to a knee injury. The club will also have Chris Culliver, Brandon Lloyd, Marcus Martin and Justin Smith. All four players were also listed as probable.

Bruce Ellington, who came into the game listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury, will give it a go. He's the only player listed as questionable who will attempt to play through his injury.

The 49ershave deemed running back Carlos Hyde (ankle), wide receiver Steve Johnson (knee) and safety Eric Reid (concussion) as out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

It is the second straight game out for both Hyde and Johnson. Hyde finishes his rooke season with 83 carries for 333 yards and four touchdowns while Johnson had 35 catches for 435 yards and three touchdowns this year.